Tabatha Turman

She continually generates new ideas and is currently developing the Next Generation Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization geared toward high school students. She hopes to partner with community colleges to create a curriculum that will open doors for young minds to embrace a leadership mindset and enter the world as confident and inspiring leaders.

When a young girl commissions a toy cash register from Santa, there must be good reason for such a request. While some people never embrace their life’s passion and calling until well into adulthood, others seem to have an intuitive grasp of what they are here to do. Tabatha Turman is one such individual. “I have always been interested in numbers from a very young age,” she recalled.

This St. Louis, Missouri, native who now resides in Woodbridge, Maryland, sets an inspiring and impressive example of how everyone has unique skills and talents that can be transferred into a meaningful and impactful career, especially when leaving the armed forces and transitioning to civilian life. “So many veterans fail to realize the skills they acquired while in the service can be applied in the civilian workplace,” she emphasized. For example, if a veteran operated a tank and shot at the enemy, it is important to see all of the experiences and skills such a role can bring to a civilian job. “When someone has a job like that in the military, it requires laser focus, resiliency and a commitment to the mission,” stated Tabatha. “That is a skillset that can be transitioned to the commercial market. Sadly, many veterans fail to see that.” Fortunately, Tabatha had a clear vision for herself and now sets the stage for others to follow.

Upon leaving active duty in 2005, Tabatha began a one-woman consulting firm that has now grown exponentially into a multi-million dollar government contracting and consulting operation. Integrated Finance and Accounting Solutions, LLC (IFAS) is an award-winning professional services firm with locations in the D.C. area and Tampa, Florida, that applies integrated finance and accounting solutions to help clients build and maintain a successful and profitable business model. As Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Tabatha brings more than 20 years of experience and leadership as an Army finance officer and consultant operating within the federal sector.

Upon graduating from high school, Tabatha entered the United States Army, earning her college degree in accounting from Southern Illinois University during her enlisted career while simultaneously serving in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, she acquired her MBA from Cameron University. While she’s no longer on active duty, Tabatha continues to serve as a reserve officer.

Nine years ago, Tabatha began working as a civil servant in a financial management capacity for the Army as part of the Army Wounded Warrior Program, an organization that serves wounded soldiers who have served in Afghanistan. However, she instinctively knew that she wanted to establish a business of her own, yet she didn’t have a formal concept constructed. “I started looking at franchises initially and also considered opening my own accounting practice, but government contracting was my long-term goal,” she noted. Before she knew it, however, that long-term goal became her short-term opportunity. Within three months, she landed her first subcontractor’s job with the government and from there worked as a consultant on multiple contract jobs. As her business grew organically, she hired a few people, reinvested her money in the business and began to bid her own contract work. It was then she realized she had to build her infrastructure. “I leveraged my weaknesses, hired someone to handle human resources and brought on additional staff to fill other management roles,” she said, offering keen advice with respect to going back to the relationships built in the military, using one’s resources, admitting any weaknesses and building a solid core. “It’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she smiled. “You can take those skills acquired in the military and apply them to a new job or start your own business.”

Despite the many awards Tabatha and IFAS have achieved, including recognition as the Top African-American-run company on the 2012 Inc. 5000 list; inclusion in the Top 500 Veteran Owned Businesses and recipient of the SmartCEO Brava! Award in 2014, Tabatha is not one to rest upon her laurels. She continually generates new ideas and is currently developing the Next Generation Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization geared toward high school students. She hopes to partner with community colleges to create a curriculum that will open doors for young minds to embrace a leadership mindset and enter the world as confident and inspiring leaders.

Tabatha also desires to build a legacy that will inspire others leaving the military, stressing that it is possible to have a successful career outside of the military. “It is important to not over play or down play your military job,” she cautioned. “The playing field is far more level in civilian life. I have interviewed generals for jobs, advising them on the difference between leading 1,000 soldiers in the Army versus leading 10 individuals in a corporation.”

One of Tabatha’s greatest passions, however, truly comes from the heart. Dedicated to giving back to her community, she makes sure that IFAS supports a cornucopia of causes, such as veteran outreach programs, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blue Star Moms, Relay for Life, and the Association of Military Comptrollers–Tampa Bay Chapter, among others. In her mind, giving back to others is a way of paying rent to earth.

For more information on Tabatha Turman, visit her online at ifas-llc.com.